MEPs to Macedonian MPs: speed up adoption of anti-discrimination law

Macedonia has been working on a draft law on protection against discrimination since May 2018, but its progress is now slowing down. Recent statements by the Deputy Prime Minister of Macedonia that LGBTI people are a “disputed category” in the new draft law are casting doubt on whether this law will be adopted while remaining inclusive of LGBTI people.

Members of the LGBTI Intergroup wrote to members of the Macedonian Parliament.

TO: Talat Xhaferi, President of the North Macedonian Parliament; Vladimir Gjorchev, Chairperson of the Committee for Labour and Social Policy; Vesna Pemova, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee for Labour and Social Policy

CC: Members & Deputy Members of the Committee for Labour and Social Policy

Concerns: anti-discrimination law

Brussels, 21 February 2019

Honourable President of the Parliament,

Honourable Chairman of the Committee for Labour and Social Policy,

Honourable Members of the Parliament of the Republic of North Macedonia,

In the past years, we have closely followed North Macedonia’s progress in protecting the rights of LGBTI people and the many steps taken in that direction. We were pleased to hear a law on prevention and protection against discrimination inclusive of LGBTI people was drafted in May 2018, and approved by the Venice Commission and in line with EU accession standards.

We are concerned about recent statements by the Deputy Prime Minister that LGBTI people are a “disputed category” in the new draft law on protection against discrimination, casting doubt on whether this law will be adopted while remaining inclusive of LGBTI people.

All citizens deserve to have their human rights protected, and LGBTI people are no exception. International organisations, as well as the Council of Europe and the European Union all agree on this matter. Effective legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is key to protecting LGBTI people against violence and discrimination, but also ensuring their full inclusion in society like any other citizens.

In view of the above, we urge you to support the adoption of this law as soon as possible.

The Intergroup on LGBTI Rights is an informal forum for Members of the European Parliament who wish to advance and protect the fundamental rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people. Members of the Intergroup would usually take a positive stance on LGBTI issues when they draft reports or amendments, when they vote in the Parliament, or when they deal with constituency affairs.